The liver is second biggest (after the skin) and one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver performs many essential functions related to digestion, metabolism, immunity and the storage of nutrients within the body. These functions make the liver a vital organ without which the tissues of the body would quickly die from lack of energy and nutrients. Fortunately, the liver has an incredible capacity for regeneration of dead or damaged tissues.

However, the liver, like everything in the human body, isn't totally immune to diseases, infections and diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis (scarring), cancers, and damage by medications or toxins, can bring the liver down.

So, how does the average joe keep protect his liver?

1. Healthy Lifestyle - Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help the liver to work well. Eat foods that have a lot of fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, rice, and cereals.

2. Limit the Amount of Alcohol You Drink - A glass of wine, they say, keeps the doctor away. That said, too much alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells. Liver damage can lead to the build-up of fat in the liver (fatty liver), inflammation or swelling of your liver (alcoholic hepatitis), and/or scarring of your liver (cirrhosis).

3. Manage Your Medications - When medicines are taken incorrectly - by taking too much or the wrong type or by mixing – the liver can be harmed. Learn about medicines and how they can affect the liver, follow dosing instructions and talk to a doctor or pharmacist often about the medicines you are taking. Self-medication is harmful.

4. Avoid exposure to toxins - How do you even come in contact with toxins in the first place? Paint jobs, chemical containers, and aerosol products are some of the ways everyone is exposed to toxins. Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives in cigarettes. Do not smoke (let it go if you do).